In a sport that clings to its traditions — from managers wearing uniforms to the playing of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh-inning stretch — one time-honored feature at the ballpark has taken an absurd turn, at least for the game’s purists: the ceremonial first pitch.

I’m torn. The first pitch is a time-honored tradition that is being sullied by corporate sponsorship. On the other hand, the Phillie Phanatic’s Hatfield hot dog launcher holds a special place in my heart and has nothing to do with the game either.